New device targets fentanyl overdoses during spring break

As spring break approaches, concerns about fentanyl contamination in party drugs are rising. Ahmad Hussain, the CEO of Defense Diagnostics Inc., has created a new tool called Defent to help prevent accidental overdoses. Hussain was inspired to develop this device after his cousin died from fentanyl poisoning at the age of 19. Defent is a portable fentanyl detection device that is easy to use and costs $10. It is designed for any location, such as beaches or nightclubs. Unlike traditional test strips, Defent does not require precise measurements or extra equipment. Its user-friendly design aims to ensure that even those under the influence can use it effectively. Hussain's team spent two and a half years developing the product, producing 57 prototypes before launching it. Defent is now sold online on Amazon and in over 100 retail stores. The product has quickly gained popularity, with sales doubling each month. The device includes an anonymous reporting feature, allowing users to report fentanyl-laced substances they might encounter. Since December, there have been 60 reports of such substances in various cities. Hussain emphasizes that many fentanyl deaths occur because victims unknowingly consume the drug, often found in counterfeit pills. As thousands of students visit Florida for spring break, officials are warning about the dangers of party drugs contaminated with fentanyl. The DEA reports that 70 percent of illegal pills could be lethal. To address this problem, health groups plan to distribute naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Despite a drop in overall drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in the past year, the threat from fentanyl remains significant. Hussain encourages everyone to test any substance not obtained from a pharmacy, aiming to make drug testing common before consumption.